The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Newborn Care

Appropriate care during the first 28 days of life lays the foundation for a baby's healthy development.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Newborn Care?

The newborn period covers the first 28 days after birth. During this time, the baby adapts to life independent of the mother's protective intrauterine environment, and respiratory, feeding, temperature-control and immune mechanisms continue to mature.

The APGAR score performed in hospital after birth, heel-prick screening (for metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria and hypothyroidism), hearing screening and pulse oximetry for cardiac defects are all part of standard newborn care.

Parental education on breastfeeding, umbilical care, bathing, sleep position (supine to reduce sudden infant death risk) and immunisation is essential to newborn care.

Symptoms

Normal newborn findings: frequent sleeping, feeding every 2-3 hours, transient cyanosis
Physiological jaundice: starts on day 2-3 and resolves within 1-2 weeks
The umbilical cord dries and falls off within 1-3 weeks
Passage of meconium is expected in the first 24 hours
Concerning signs: tremor, prolonged painful crying, feeding difficulty, respiratory distress

Risk Factors

Prematurity (birth before 37 weeks)
Low birth weight (<2500 g)
Maternal gestational diabetes
Difficult or prolonged labour
Maternal infection (Group B streptococcus, HBV etc.)
Multiple pregnancy

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If meconium has not been passed within the first 48 hours
  • Feeding difficulty, or jaundice lasting longer than 2 weeks
  • Fever (38°C or above) or hypothermia
  • Rapid breathing, nasal flaring or grunting
  • Redness, discharge or foul odour around the umbilicus

Treatment Methods

01
Newborn resuscitation: oxygen and ventilation in the delivery room when needed
02
Phototherapy for physiological jaundice (according to bilirubin thresholds)
03
Umbilical cord care: keep dry, apply antiseptic
04
Vitamin K injection: prophylaxis against haemorrhagic disease of the newborn
05
First dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth
06
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) for the baby when the mother is HBsAg-positive

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Vaccination Schedule

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The Turkish Ministry of Health national vaccination schedule arranges the immunization program from birth to adulthood. Timely and complete vaccination is critical in protecting community immunity.

Jaundice in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Neonatal jaundice (jaundice in newborns) presents as yellowing of the skin and eyes. The vast majority of cases are physiological and are easily treated with phototherapy.

Diarrhoea in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Acute diarrhoea is defined as 3 or more loose stools per day. In infants it is most often caused by viral gastroenteritis (rotavirus, norovirus); dehydration may lead to serious complications.

Fever Management in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Fever in children (38°C and above) is the body's defense mechanism against viral or bacterial infection. Most fevers resolve spontaneously in 3-5 days; however, some conditions require urgent medical evaluation.

Cough in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Cough is the most common symptom in children and is mostly due to viral upper respiratory infections. Cough lasting more than 3 weeks or with characteristic sounds requires detailed evaluation.

Bronchiolitis

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Supportive care with hydration, nasal suctioning, and oxygen if hypoxic is the mainstay; routine bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics are not recommended per AAP/NICE guidelines.

Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Croup is a viral inflammation of the larynx and trachea presenting with a barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor. It mostly affects children aged 6 months to 3 years.

Pediatric Allergic Diseases

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Allergic diseases — allergic rhinitis, food allergy, eczema and asthma — affect approximately 25-30% of children. Early diagnosis and trigger avoidance significantly reduce symptoms.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.